Planning my first reef tank (20 long)

[Alexreefer]

Looks good. keep it up. go slow do not rush

 

[FishDude25]

The outlet that I'm planning on plugging my tank equipment into is not a GFCI. What do I need to do in order to protect myself and the tank? Is there something external I can plug into the outlet?

I'm also looking at surge protectors/battery backups. Would either of those provide the functionality of a GFCI?

My knowledge of wiring/electronics/etc. is pretty limited, so I really appreciate (and need) the advice!

Thanks!

 

[Salty Lemon]

I have a Reef Octopus HOB Skimmer. It works great but is a HUGE eyesore. Not only do you have to look at all the mechanics, but you get to stare at poopy stew all the time. Plus, if you don't pay attention to it, it overflows onto your wall and floor. (Gross.) It works great, but I'm not certain I would ever purchase a HOB skimmer again.

 

[Alexreefer]

The outlet that I'm planning on plugging my tank equipment into is not a GFCI. What do I need to do in order to protect myself and the tank? Is there something external I can plug into the outlet?

I'm also looking at surge protectors/battery backups. Would either of those provide the functionality of a GFCI?

My knowledge of wiring/electronics/etc. is pretty limited, so I really appreciate (and need) the advice!

Thanks!

just be careful when you try something like that because you want everything wired properly but if something trips the gfci it will turn off the entire tank and you can reset it if your not home. Be careful. maybe ask some with more experience.

 

[FishDude25]

just be careful when you try something like that because you want everything wired properly but if something trips the gfci it will turn off the entire tank and you can reset it if your not home. Be careful. maybe ask some with more experience.

Ok, thanks, I'll keep that in mind

 

[FishDude25]

Update:
I rinsed my rocks with RO/DI water and got them in the tank! Played around with them a bit but haven't found a configuration that I really like yet. I'm not sure that I'll end up having all the rocks in the tank. A cave would be cool but I don't know if that would work with these rocks.

Any scape suggestions?

 

[FishDude25]

I have a Reef Octopus HOB Skimmer. It works great but is a HUGE eyesore. Not only do you have to look at all the mechanics, but you get to stare at poopy stew all the time. Plus, if you don't pay attention to it, it overflows onto your wall and floor. (Gross.) It works great, but I'm not certain I would ever purchase a HOB skimmer again.

Good to hear it works well! I'll have to make sure to keep up with it so it doesn't overflow! Thanks for the input

 

[Fudsey]

1 piece of advice with rock. Don't put it near the glass. You will want to scrape the glass and rock in the way will not let that happen. Keep about 2" all around the glass for an algae scrapper to pass by

 

[FishDude25]

1 piece of advice with rock. Don't put it near the glass. You will want to scrape the glass and rock in the way will not let that happen. Keep about 2" all around the glass for an algae scrapper to pass by

Good point, thanks! I'll keep that in mind

 

[FishDude25]

The ApexEL arrived! Should it be mounted, or can I put it on the top shelf inside my stand?

 

[FishDude25]

Also made some progress with my aquascape! What do you guys think?

 

[Alexreefer]

Looks great love that little cave. I personally like mounting my apex. But however it fits best for your tank and stand

 

[FishDude25]

Looks great love that little cave. I personally like mounting my apex. But however it fits best for your tank and stand

Thanks! The cave is three separate rocks. Do you think I should epoxy them together?

 

[Fudsey]

Thanks! The cave is three separate rocks. Do you think I should epoxy them together?

Only if you think they might fall. If they are stable I wouldn't worry about it. 1/2 my scape is just stacked rocks.

 

[FishDude25]

Only if you think they might fall. If they are stable I wouldn't worry about it. 1/2 my scape is just stacked rocks.

Ok, they are pretty stable.

Hopefully going to have the tank ready by next weekend!

 

[Alexreefer]

Cant wait.

 

[FishDude25]

Just tried to put the NS-80 skimmer together. I think it may be defective, as the pump does not fit snug with the reaction chamber body (I have to hold it in place otherwise it just falls off).

Any suggestions? I'm going to return it if I can't get it to work.

 

[Fudsey]

Sorry can't help ya there unless you're missing a rubber washer that goes between them?

 

[Alexreefer]

seems like it might be defective

 

[FishDude25]

Filled the tank! Setting up the apex now!

Is it a bad idea to put my heater inside my AIO box? I haven't turned it on yet.